Penitence and Hope

Dear Saviour, when my thoughts recall
The wonders of thy grace;
Low at thy feet asham'd I fall,
And hide this wretched face.

Shall love like thine be thus repaid?
Ah vile, ungrateful heart!
By earth's low cares detain'd, betray'd,
From Jesus to depart.

From Jesus, who alone can give
True pleasure, peace, and rest:
When absent from my Lord, I live
Unsatisfied, unblest.

But he, for his own mercy's sake,
My wandering soul restores:
He bids the mourning heart partake
The pardon it implores.

O, while I breathe to thee, my Lord,
The penitential sigh,
Confirm the kind, forgiving word
With pity in thine eye!

Then shall the mourner at thy feet,
Rejoice to seek thy face;
And grateful own how kind! how sweet!
Thy condescending grace.